MUSICIANS from all over the world could soon be descending on Malvern to record in a new sound studio.

Nigerian-born Ben Okafor, who moved to Malvern six years ago, has submitted a planning proposal to set up a recording studio in Wyche Road, part of the Conservation Area.

The reggae musician, who runs his own record company, plans to invite artists from across the globe to use the facility if he receives planning permission.

"It will be catering for people of all parts of the world, especially for people I meet on the road who may find a market for themselves in Europe," Mr Okafor said.

"There aren't many studios like this one outside Europe. That's not good. Back where these people come from it's more difficult to record their stuff and even when they do it's on pretty archaic equipment."

With a recording studio in place, Malvern would then become home to Mr Okafor's Roadsweeper record label which already has offices in Johannesburg, Mumbai and Birmingham.

Mr Okafor is hopeful that the town will be the ideal setting for a fusion of cultures.

He said: "I think this is going to draw attention to Malvern in a way that is quite interesting.

"Malvern is tied to creativity through the likes of Elgar and Kennedy but it will interesting to see how it can house something like this."

Mr Okafor added that he did not believe neighbours would have anything to worry about noise pollution.

"This will be a very professional recording studio," he said.